MEN ON FURLOUGH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 October 1943, Page 3

MEN ON FURLOUGH

.THE QUESTION OF RETURN. NEW ZEALAND R.S.A. RESOLUTIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The question of the return of furlough men and manpower problems were discussed at this week’s meeting of the Dominion executive committee of the N.Z.R.S.A., and the following resolutions were adopted:— (1) That the N.Z.R.S.A.. in accordance with, its policy, cannot interfere in any way with the return or demobilisation of the furlough men, as they are serving soldiers. The gesture of returning men on furlough was the tribute of a gratful country to its magnificent division, but it must be realised that the Middle East division is only part of the Dominion’s armed forces and many men in the Navy, Air Force and other units have even longer service than the furlough men, and have not had this privilege. (2) In reference to the manpower position in New Zealand the N.Z.R.S.A. Dominion executive committee realises the many difficulties, but nevertheless considers that the numerous category “A” men held in so-called essential industries (sufficient at least for a division) could be drastically reduced by a really severe overhaul, and by eliminating many so-called essential industries. It realises that this means considerable hardship for the people, but feels that the people are prepared to bear these hardships in prosecuting the war, which is by no means over.